Public Statements

Pascrell Applauds Historic Nomination Of Judge Sonia Sotomayor

Statement

U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) today commended the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court:

"I applaud the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court. Judge Sotomayor holds all of the qualities necessary to interpret the law in the highest court of the greatest country on earth. She is an intellect with an incredible range of legal experience, a proven record of even-handedness and an indisputable understanding of the constitution.

"In addition to Judge Sotomayor's exemplary professional background and distinguished educational qualifications, she has an extraordinary life story. Growing up in a South Bronx public housing project, Judge Sotomayor has real-life experience that will contribute to the court's integrity and enhance her role on the bench.

"This nomination is also an historic breakthrough for Latino Americans and Latinas in particular. Judge Sotomayor's Puerto Rican ethnicity will help the court represent the new face of America as it moves forward to adjudicate the most difficult legal rulings.

"In 1991, Judge Sotomayor demonstrated her independence when she was nominated by President George H. W. Bush to serve on the District Court for the Southern District of New York and confirmed with bipartisan support in the Senate. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to confirm the nomination of Judge Sotomayor so that she is prepared to take the bench in September when the Supreme Court confers."